Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox (Varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. About 90 per cent of cases occur before a child becomes 12 years of age.

Local Information

2023 Statistics

Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.

Cases:
0*

*Includes confirmed cases in 2023

Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2023: 0

Incidence rate per 100,000 of Varicella (Chickenpox) by year

A line graph showing the crude rate and five year moving average of Varicella (Chickenpox) by year within the Health Unit region between 2014 and 2023.

Data Sources

Case Counts: Public Health Ontario. Query: Case counts of reportable diseases by public health unit and year. Toronto, ON: Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion; extracted on April 23, 2024.
Population estimates: Statistics Canada 2014-2022, IntelliHEALTH Ontario, Ministry of Health, extracted on April 23, 2024.
Population projections: Statistics Canada, 2023, IntelliHEALTH Ontario, Ministry of Health, extracted on April 23, 2024.

More Information about Chickenpox (Varicella)

Public Health Agency of Canada: English and Français
Ministry of Health Fact Sheet: English and Français
Chickenpox (Varicella) and Pregnancy Fact Sheet: English and Français

Reporting

Schools should report cases daily, using the Chickenpox (Varicella) – Daily Reporting Form.

Report to the Health Unit by next business day by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if chickenpox (varicella) is confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.

Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have chickenpox (varicella)?

For childcare and schools, no exclusion necessary, unless too ill to participate in activities or has a fever with behavioural change.

Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace.

Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers.

Vaccination Information

Severe chickenpox (varicella) is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information.

Healthcare Provider Information

Immunize Canada: Varicella (Chickenpox)

Public Health Ontario: Varicella (Chickenpox)

Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Chickenpox (Varicella)

Public Health Agency of Canada: Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide

Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.

Last updated: August 2024, by CDC